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In 1992, Westword published its ninth Best of Denver issue, a celebration of the city that saluted everything from Best Last Stand (the Denver Zephyrs, about to be supplanted by the Colorado Rockies) to Best Bail Bondsman (Duane Chapman, before he became known as “Dog”) to Best — and Sometimes Only — Reason to Read to the Rocky Mountain News: Greg Lopez, a fine writer and great colleague we still miss every day. While much of what we loved that year is long gone, a then-new industry went on to literally move mountains, although Colorado gambling is still best exemplifed by our Best Casino: Dostal Alley.
When Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek joined together to push a statewide vote to legalize “limited stakes gaming” as a way to save the old mining towns — and also pour huge amounts of money into the State Historical Fund, now the largest historic-preservation program in the country — voters envisioned streets lined with mom-and-pop establishments, not the behemoths of present-day Black Hawk. But mom-and-pop is exactly what Dostal Alley was, and what it remains today. “We’ve decided that’s how we’re going to stay — a small, family-run operation,” explains Buddy Schmalz, the son who started a brewpub in the back of his parents’ Central City casino six years ago. A year later, Schmalz was elected mayor of Central City, making him the first brewpub-owning mayor in Colorado. And a good one, who’s worked with the council to haul Central City out of a financial mess. “With a lot of common-sense stuff, we were able to pull it off,” he says. Ka-ching!
Here are the rest of the winners from 1992:
BEST OF DENVER 1992
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Best Local Celebrity: James King Readers' Choice: Marilyn Van Derbur Atler
Best Local Heroes: Bicentennial Team East High School Readers' Choice (tie): Daddy Bruce/Tom Sutherland
Best Renewed Feud: Baby Doe vs. Augusta Tabor
Best Long-Running Feud: Douglas Bruce vs. Natalie Meyer
Best Mong-Playing Feud: Jesse Ceci vs. the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Best VFW Post: Post No. 1
Best Jail: Boulder County Jail
Best Mayberry Jail: Bent County Jail, Las Animas
Best Small-town Crime: Blowing up Frosty the Snowman
Best Small-town Blanket Protection: Human Comforters Project
Best Unwitting Elvis Impersonator: Patrolman Rick Romero
Best Courtroom in a Hotel: Denver County Small Claims Court, The Radisson Hotel Annex
Best Courtroom: Courtroom One, City and County Building
Best Urban Legend About a Prison: Homemade bread rumor
Best Urban Legend About a Train Station: Tunnels
Best Place for the Next KKK Rally: Rocky Flats Readers' Choice: Hell
Best Speaker for the Next KKK Rally: Felix L. Sparks
Best News for Witches: Don't need a license
Best Local Politician: State Senator Dennis Gallagher Readers' Choice: Pat Schroeder
Best Move by a Local Politician: Senator Tim Worth
Best City Councilmember: Mary DeGroot
Best Romer Appointment: George Turner
Best Romer Depointment: Augie Cook
Best Political Memoir: Political Wives, Private Lives by Joyce Schuck
Best Song About a TV Reporter: Jeff Shoemaker's Paula Woodward song
Best Used Television Disposal: 2011 W. 20th St.
Best Telephone Pole for Public Notices: The alley off 13th Ave. between Washington and Pearl Streets
Best Unlikely Columnist: Mark Samuelson, On the Home Front
Best -- and Sometimes Only -- Reason to Read the Rocky Mountain News: Greg Lopez
Best New Publication: The Bitches From Hell Reporter
Best Headline: Apathy Blasted, but Few Listen Colorado Daily
Best Cure for Insomnia: “Doin' It in the Den" KDEN-AM
Best Local Radio Talk-show Host: Peter Boyles, KYBG-AM Readers' Choice: Ken Hamblin
Best TV Producer: Vicki Hildner, KCNC-Channel 4
Best TV Weathercaster: Marty Coniglio, KCNC-Channel 4 Readers' Choice: Larry Green
Best Hair on a Local TV Personality: Neal Browne, KUSA-Channel 9 Readers' Choice: Mike Landess
Best Is-It-Hair? on a Local TV Personality: Mike Nelson, KUSA-Channel 9
Best TV Sportscaster: Les Shapiro, KCNC-Channel 4 Readers' Choice:: Ron Zappolo
Best Local TV News Anchor: Bertha Lynn, KMGH-Channel 7 Readers' Choice (tie): Bob Palmer/Ed Sardella
Best New Building: KUSA
Best Historic Designation: 20th Street Recreation Center
Best Painted Ladies: Nevada, Cascade and Wood Avenues, Colorado Springs
Best Place to Break Out of a Modern-day Rut: Smoky Hill Trail, Aurora
Best People to Break you Out of that Modern-day Rut: Nancy and Patrick Massengill, Rocky Mountain Living History Association, Heritage Square, Golden
Best Throwback to the Sixties: Ruby Hill
Best Imitation of Texas: U.S. Highway 85 to Greeley
Best Imitation of New York City: California St.
Best Male Roller Skater in a White or Black Lace Tutu: Cinderella
Best Superfund Site: Sand Creek Industrial Site
Best Endangered Species: Colorado Squawfish, ptychocheilus luctus
Best Use of Goats: Cherry Creek State Park
Best Chipmunk Crossing: Main Street, St. Elmo
Best Place to Spot Deer: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Best Place to Spot Dead Deer: C-470
Best Roadside Guilt: Wadsworth Blvd.
Best Place to do Your Taxes at the Last Minute: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Stretch of Adopted Highway: Southwest corner of Rocky Flats
Best Scenic Byway: Pawnee Pioneer Trails
Best Place to Park and Neck: Fishback Landing Readers' Choice: Lookout Mountain
Best Place to Watch Planes Land: Havana Way
Best Association Devoted to a Missing Aviatrix: Amelia Earhart Society of Researchers
Best Road Construction: East Evans
Best Public Rumpus Room: Under the Speer Viaduct
Best Bridge to the Future: Speer Viaduct
Best Speed Trap: Speer Viaduct Readers' Choice: Speer
Best Sign that Someone in the City has a Sense of Humor About all this Construction: The Cone Zone
Best Reverb Chamber: Denver Art Museum
Best Nighttime View of Denver: Fan's Lounge, Holiday Inn-Denver Sports Center
Best Endangered Nighttime View of Denver: Mr. Twister, Elitch Gardens
Best Illegal Nighttime View of Denver: Colorado History Museum
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Best Player for the Rockies to Take in the Expansion Draft: John Elway Readers' Choice: Nolan Ryan
Best Zephyr: Jeff Kunkel Readers' Choice: Jim Olander
Best Nugget: Dikembe Mutombo Readers' Choice: Dikembe Mutombo
Best Bronco: John Elway Readers' Choice: John Elway
Best Coach: Wade Phillips Readers' Choice: Dan Reeves
Best-Dressed Coach: Dan Reeves
Best New Job for Paul Westhead: Colorado Rockies manager
Best Local Sports Team: Denver Broncos Readers' Choice: Denver Broncos
Best Scholar-Athletes: Colorado Buffaloes
Best Last Stand: Denver Zephyrs
Best Radio Sports Talk-Show Hosts: Irv Brown and Joe Williams, KYBG-AM Readers' Choice: Dave Logan
Best Radio Sports Talk-Show Host who Never Gets Heard: Thierry Smith, KYBG-AM
Best Radio Announcers for the Rockies: Ernie Harwell and Kenny Albert
Best Sports Bar for the Low-key Sports Fan: Johnny's Bar & Grill
Best Sports Bar for the Wild-eyed Sports Maniac: Brooklyn's
Best Place to see a World-Famous Athlete and his Agent: Morton's of Chicago
Best Sports Place to Meet Guys: Folsom Field
Best Sports Place to Meet Nude Guys: Bally's Holiday Health Club
Best Place to Nude Sunbathe: Denver city parks
Best Beach Culture: Cherry Creek Reservoir
Best Reservoir for Swimmers: Aurora Reservoir
Best Swimming Pool: Anderson Community Center
Best Video Arcade: Boardwalk USA Readers' Choice: Celebrity
Best Cool Pool: Calvin's Before and After
Best Place to be a Pinball Wizard: Smiley's Laundromat
Best Video Arcade for Secret Junkies: Union Station
Best Bowling Alley: Wheat Ridge Lanes
Best Public Tennis Courts: Congress Park
Best Health Club: Washington Park Recreation Center
Best Public Golf Course: Indian Tree Golf Course Readers' Choice: Willis Case
Best Hole on a Public Course: No. 7 at Wellshire
Best Secret Par 3 Course: Windsor Gardens
Best Golf Deal: Denver Parks and Recreation golf card
Best Miniature Golf Course: Adventure Golf Course
Best Driving Range: Aqua Golf
Best Theme Party: Jackass Slacks Tournament
Best Ski Run: Bwana, Vail Readers' Choice: Drunken Frenchman
Best Bumps: Outhouse
Best Ski Lodge: The Outpost
Best Ski Patroller: Audie Mullings, Ski Cooper
Best Mountain Bike Club: Over-the-Bar Scar Club
Best Place to get on a Roll: Historical Belmar Village
Best Skateboarding Park: Independent Skate Park
Best Spot to Rollerblade: 16th Street Mall Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Downtown Spot to Catch Air on Your Rollerblades: Market and 16th Streets
Best Bungee Jumping: Bungee Jumping Colorado, Frederick Readers' Choice: Air Boulder
Best Daredevil Sledding: Cherry Creek Dam
Best Stuffed Flounder: Aquatic Arts
Best Wild Insect Safari: Boulder County Open Space Parks
Best Denver Park: Observatory Park Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Picnic Spot in the City: Governor's Park Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Place to Take a Dog for a Walk: Highline Canal Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Place to Take a Dog for a Hike: Mesa Trail
Best Zoo Animal: Polar Bears
Best Light Rail: Denver Zoo Train
Best Place to Watch Trains: Colorado Railroad Museum
Best Suburban Escape Route: Waterton Canyon
Best Vacation Option for the Person Suffering from Kidney Disease: Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies, Winter Park
Best Day Trip: Bent's Old Fort, La Junta (or close enough) Readers' Choice: Estes Park
Best Close-in Camping: Longs Peak Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park Readers' Choice: Golden Gate Canyon
Best Low-rent Resort: Tiger Run RV Resort, Summit County
Best Low-rent Kiddie Resort: Manitou Springs
Best Indoor Amusement for Kids: Discovery Zone
Best Outdoor Amusement for Kids: Littleton Historical Museum
Best Place to Send your Kids for your Own Peace and Quiet: Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park
Best Use of Horsehide Until the Rockies Get Here: Well Oiled Machine
Best Colorado Lottery Numbers: 3, 4, 11, 12, 19 and 41
Best Casino: Dostal's Alley, Central City Readers' Choice: Teller House
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Best Cultural Ride: Cultural Connection Trolley
Best Elite Meet: James Joyce Day
Best Annual Parade: The St. Practice Day Parade, Leadville
Best Seventies Survivor: Capitol Hill People's Fair
Best Annual Festival: Denver March PowWow Readers' Choice: Taste of Colorado
Best Annual Beer Festival: Colorado Brewers Festival, Fort Collins
Best Worst-kept Secret: The Beer and Steer
Best Attention Span for a Publicity Stunt: Bobfest, Avon
Best Museum exhibit: Interactive Video Disk, Denver History Museum, Readers' Choice: Sharks" at Denver Museum of Natural History
Best Public Sculpture: Thatcher Fountain in City Park, East High School Readers' Choice: Buffalo at the Denver Buffalo Company
Best Way to Look Extinction in the Face: Dinosaur Ridge Tour, Morrison Natural History Museum
Best Public Monument to Josef Stalin: The Cruise Room
Best Folk Art Sculpture: Canland
Best Contemporary Public Art: Jade, 17th and Market Streets
Best Commercial Gallery: Robischon Gallery
Best Noncommercial Gallery: EDGE Gallery
Best Gallery Exhibit: A-1 and Only, Alternative Arts Alliance Readers' Choice: Reid Weimer/Chandler Romeo
Best Government Support for the Arts: Denver School of the Arts at Cole Junior High School
Best Art Discovery: Harvest
Best Unexpected Art Discovery: Denver Art Museum
Best Wedgie Trap: The New Arvada Center Amphitheater
Best Performance Art: Dirt & Circuits
Best Art Education on a Budget: Metropolitan State College
Best Unknown Art Space: Mackey Gallery
Best Art Boost to a Neighborhood: Genre Gallery
Best Place to View Art While Eating: Gasoline Alley
Best Place to Eat While Viewing Art: The Turner Museum
Best Place to Eat While Viewing Art Movies: The Mayan
Best Movie Theater, High-tech: The United Artists
Best Movie Theater, Drive-in: East Drive-In
Best Movie Theater, Classic: The Esquire
Best Movie Revival: Citizen Kane
Best Campus Film Series: University of Colorado, Program Council Series
Best Video Rental Store: Video Station Readers' Choice: Blockbuster Video
Best Downtown Video Rental Store: Denver Place Video
Best Video Store B-Movie Selection: Wax Trax
Best Denver International Film Festival Film You'll Never See in Theaters: Crossed Wires
Best Over Hyped Blowout for Conspicuous Consumers: Phantom of the Opera
Best Theatre Season for a Company: Theatre on Broadway
Best New Theatre Company: Now Is Now
Best Local Theatre Newcomer: Vint Lavinder
Best Theatrical Makeover: Beth Fisher
Best Actress: Gwen Harris
Best Actor/Pianist: Jan Van Sickle
Best Bloodsucking Bunny: Bunnicula
Best Aldo Ray-Judy Holliday Imitation: Vincent Robinson and Ruthay
Best Musical: Forever Plaid
Best Local Production: Machinal Readers' Choice: Phantom of the Opera
Best Set: Arsenic and Old Lace
Best Tease: Tartuffe
Best Stripper: Taylor, Diamond Cabaret
Best Belly Dancing: Zenobia's
Best Dance Club: The Marquee Readers' Choice: Fish Dance
Best Rock Club: Herman's Hideaway
Best Rock Club Audience Trend: Silly String
Best Club DJ: Kenny Hamblin Jr.
Best Rave Toy: Specters
Best Jazz Club: Jazz Works Readers' Choice: El Chapultepec
Best Blues Club: Ziggie's Saloon
Best Heavy-Metal Club: The Broadway Readers' Choice: Bangles
Best All-Ages Club: Ground Zero Readers' Choice: Rock Island
Best All-Aged Club: Buffalo Rose Saloon
Best Place to Fall on your Head: Gothic Theatre
Best Country/Western Club: Grizzly Rose Readers' Choice: Grizzly Rose
Best New Place to Hear Live Music: Okoboji's
Best Club Water Bar: The Garage
Best Rock-and-Roll Boudoir: Chris Chamberlain, Dogs of Pleasure
Best 16th Street Mall Entertainer: Robo-Clown, Hudson's Bay Centre
Best Panhandling Musicians: Markahuasi
Best Rockabilly Priest: Lewis Klug
Best Singing Cops: Dave Martin and Scott Buckley
Best Dancehall Reggae Toaster: Raymond Smith, aka Spellbinder
Best Local Rapper: Billie Jean
Best Local Jazz Musician: Bruno Carr
Best Ex-local Jazz Musician: Javon Jackson
Best Jazz Band: The Fred Hess Group Readers' Choice: Dotsero
Best Dance Band: Conjunto Colores Readers' Choice: Monkey Siren
Best Blues Band: Paul Soderman and the Boulder Blues Club Readers' Choice: Bob Hornbuckle
Best Country/Western Band: The Wild Jimbos Readers' Choice (tie): Rattlesnake Shake/Timothy P. and Rural Route 3
Best Fusion Band: Nelson Rangell
Best Rock Band: Big Foot Torso Readers' Choice: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Best Metal Band: Dogs of Pleasure Readers' Choice: Dogs of Pleasure
Best New Band: Windowpane
Best Comeback Band: The Fluid
Best Local Band Name: '57 Lesbian
Best Solo Acoustic Performer: Robert Smart
Best Concert of the Year: Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians with Matthew Sweet, The Boulder Theater, February 19, 1992 Readers' Choice: Lollapalooza Festival 1991
Best Regular Concert Series: Wednesdays
Best Regular Jam Session: Under the 16th St. viaduct on Platte St.
Best New Year's Eve Party: Slayer at the Gothic Theatre
Best Annual New Year's Eve Party: Seven South
Best Limo Trip to Die For: Mother O'Leary's Party Wagon
Best Get-down Party Van: Front Range Cruises
Best Bar Expansion: The Skyline Cafe
Best Bar Name: Carl's Bad Tavern
Best Bar for Conversation: My Brother's Bar
Best Pickup Bar: Jimmy's Grill
Best Boodle Bar: The Cruise Room
Best Gay Bar: The Fox Hole Readers' Choice (tie): Charlie's/Paradise Garage
Best Authentic Laser Karaoke: Don Don
Best Laser Karaoke Rentals: Keyboard Exchange
Best Jukebox: Bar Elbow Room
Best Commercial Radio Station: KTCL-FM Readers' Choice: KBCO-FM
Best Radio Disc Jockey: Selena, KGNU-FM Readers' Choice: Lewis and Floorwax
Best Radio Commercial Jingle: Avogadro's Number, Bill Amundson, KTCL-FM
Best Radio Commercial Pitchman: Tom Shane
Best Noncommercial Radio Pitch People: E-Town
Best Local Music Radio Show: Radio Free Colorado, KTCL-FM
Best Local Album: Haywire, The World Famous Twister Band
Best Children's Album: Dinosaur Choir, Bonnie Phipps
Best Place to Still Buy Albums: Wax Trax Readers' Choice: Wax Trax
Best Place to Buy Used CDs: Twist and Shout Readers' Choice: Wax Trax
Best Used Record Store/East: Doubleplay Records
Best Used Record Store/West: JB&H Records and Tapes
Best Esoteric Music Store: Mysterium Visionary Music and Art
Best Assortment of Jazz Periodicals: Record Revival
Best Blues Periodical: Blues Access
Best Death Periodical: Pit
GOODS AND SERVICES
Best Fun for a Dollar: Dollar World
Best Fun for 99 Cents: 99 Cent Mart
Best Way to Add to a Junk Collection: Stuff
Best Way to Subtract from a Junk Collection: The Jane System, Association for Retarded Citizens
Best Garbage-Picking: Boulder Spring Cleanup
Best Antiques: Country Palace
Best Discount Arts and Crafts: More for Less
Best Place to Weave on Down the Road: Old Santa Fe Village
Best Way to Keep Gossips Off your Back: Casa Medina
Best Place for a Miracle: Manos Folk Art
Best Place to Buy Kitsch After Midnight: Biggs
Best Place to Buy Sixties Kitsch: Baby Boomerama
Best Place to Buy Sci-fi Kitsch: Science Fiction Plus
Best Place to Buy Cowboy Kitsch: Cowboy Classics
Best Place to Meet Swingers: Square Dance Record Roundup
Best Western Wear Store: Denver Buffalo Company Trading Post
Best Place to Buy a Beaded Belt for Cheap: Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Best Macho Cowboy Boots: Mexico Shoe Store
Best Exotic Cowboy Boots: Denver Boot Outlet
Best Shoe Repair: Kim's Shoe Service
Best Free Dryers: City Center Laundromat & Cleaners
Best Shirt Cleaning: Smiley's Laundromat and Cleaners
Best Hat Cleaning: Dave's Hat Cleaning and Western Wear
Best Antique Hats: Vintage Reflections.
Best Vintage Clothing: Raggedy Ann's Readers' Choice: Circa 1900
Best Cheap Costumes: Marcia's of Denver
Best Way to Make Waves Without Making Waves: What Women Want: Customized Swimwear
Best Custom Bow Ties: Carrot & Gibbs
Best Button-Pushers: JHB International
Best Yarn Store: Ewenique Yarns
Best Yuppie Fun Wear: Bik Bok
Best deal for the man in the gray flannel suit: Quality Apparel Outlet
Best shopping pros for professional women: Molly's of Denver
Best clothing sale girls (or boys) who want to marry a millionaire: Last Call Sales, Neiman-Marcus
Best thrift store: Thrifty Scotsman Readers' Choice: Value Village
Best secondhand adult clothing: Second Look Limited
Best consignment shop for the big-boned gal: Second Hand Rose-Ann
Best bad-memory purge: Twice Around Wedding Gowns
Best place to buy wedding presents: Artisan's Center
Best Place to Register for Wedding Gifts: Peppercorn Gourmet Goods, The Peppercorn Collection
Best Place to Commit Adultery in Style: Mon Chalet
Best Place to Commit Adultery on the Cheap: No Tel Motel
Best Place to Play Dungeon: Club Cabaret
Best Adult Bookstore: Adult Trading Post Readers' Choice: Kitty's
Best Specialty Bookstore: Colorado History Museum Gift Shop
Best Denver History Book: Denver: Mining Camp to Metropolis
Best Used Bookstore: Half Price Books Readers' Choice: Capitol Hill Books
Best Western Lore Bookstore: Trails West
Best Antiquarian Bookstore: Astoria Books
Best Place to Have a Religious Experience: The Bible Superstore
Best Children's Bookstore: Bookies
Best Newsstand for Magazines: Black and Read
Best Selection of Used Magazines: Denver Book Barter
Best Movie Poster Store: Cinema Graphics Movie Poster Shop
Best Calendar: The Fridge-A-Dater
Best Computer BBS: The Global-Link Network BBS
Best Computer Repair: Whizbang
Best Emergency Computer Repair: Disk Doctor
Best Emergency Room for Neurotic Parents: Porter Memorial Hospital
Best ObGyns: Colorado ObGyn Society
Best psychiatric deal: Eating Disorders Support Groups, YWCA of Metro Denver
Best Prices on Prescription Antidepressants: Phar-Mor
Best Sign on a Detox Center: DTs
Best Place to Take a Fraidy-Cat: South Penn Cat Clinic
Best Behavioral Therapy for Dogs: Stock Dog Fanciers of Colorado
Best Dog Trainer: Lauren Trichter
Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies: Sherlock Hounds Sixth Avenue Pet Supply
Best Dog Grooming: Mrs. C's Bowser Boutique
Best Haircut for Kids: Avis Gallegos, Great Clips
Best Rock-and-Roll Hairstylist: Danielle at D. Fiores
Best Place to Get a Hand Job: Maria, Rita's Underground Salon
Best Massage Deal in Denver: Lake Steam Baths
Best Massage Deal in Boulder: Boulder School of Massage Therapy Clinic
Best Back-Cracker: Harvey, The Herb Shoppe
Best Substitute for Magic Fingers: Biosymphonix Chair, Sondex Technologies
Best Cheap Seats: The Chairman
Best Dinette Sets: Ace Restaurant Equipment Company
Best Souvenir Coming Back from Estes Park: Stone tables
Best Deals on Furniture Straight Out of an Episode of The Jetsons: Flashback Modern Design
Best Kiddie Convertible: Sit 'n' Stroll, Safeline Children's Products Company
Best Deals on Baby Furniture: The Baby Bed Man
Best Used Baby Furniture: Guys & Dolls
Best Deals on Children's Clothes: Chocolate Soup
Best Deal for Working Parents: Gilpin Extended Day Center
Best Place to Make a Little Man Out of your Little Boy: Children's Exchange
Best Cure for the Gimmes: Smiley Library
Best Place to Buy, Sell or Trade used Nintendo Games: Power Play Games
Best Puppets: And Puppets, Colorado Wool Works and Puppets
Best Reason to Let Go of your Children: Wee Beeps, Protech Products
Best Way to Remain Forever Young: Foto Magic Video
Best Lens Pals: Lindahl's Photo Sales
Best Help for the Hopelessly Myopic: Fred Rubalcava, Wheat Ridge Optical
Best Moshable Contact Lenses: Dr. Simonson, Lens Crafters, Cinderella City
Best Deals on Used Tools: Charlie's Second Hand Store
Best Deals on Building Materials: Mile High Used Lumber
Best Rock Gardening Center: Paulino Gardens
Best Place to Buy Seeds: Rocky Mountain Seed Company Readers' Choice: Rocky Mountain Seed Company
Best Place to Buy Plants: Al's Pine Nursery Readers' Choice: Echter's
Best Place to Buy Irises: Long's Gardens
Best Place to Buy Herbs: The Herbery
Best Indoor Winter Wonderland: Le Grue's
Best Politically Correct Lawn: Native Sod Company
Best Recycling Service: City Spirit Cafe Readers' Choice: King Soopers
Best Environmentally Correct Resumes: Signal Graphics
Best Resource for the Career-Blocked: The Whole Work Catalog
Best Instant Translations: Denver Translation Institute
Best Courier Service: Quick Silver Express Courier
Best Bail Bondsman: Duane Chapman, A Bail Bonds
Best Notary and Tattoo Artist: Emporium of Design
Best Assortment of Moving Services: E.A.R.T.H.
Best New State Service: Colorado Library Card
Best New City Service: Citizen's Hotline
Best Class in Citizenry: Stop Feeling Powerless Over Politics, Colorado Free University
Best Fifties Full Service: Vince's Red Carpet Auto Service
Best Use of Corn: Vickers Total Petroleum
Best Service Station for Grumps: Phillips 66
Best Place to Refill your Tank While Refueling your Spirits: Mitch's Texaco
Best Used Car Parts: All Imports
Best Motorcycle Parts and Palaver: Performance Cycle of Colorado
Best Mom-and-Pop Radio Shop: Camelot Communications
Best Guide to Frequent Flyer Deals: InsideFlyer
Best Ride in from the Airport: RTD's A Bus
Best Unexpected Pepsi Machine on the Way to the Airport: The alley at Eudora St. and Martin Luther King Blvd.
Best Unexpected Pepsi Machine on the Way from the Airport: 2461 Champa St.
Best Collection of Cuban Pop: Panchita's Mexican Imports and Grocery Store
Best Collection of Mexican Pop: Safeway
Best Asian Market: Indochina Fresh Seafood & Meat
Best Deli Case for Cannibals: King Soopers
Best Neighborhood Market, Low End: Sunnsyside Market
Best Neighborhood Market, High End: FBC Foods International Readers' Choice: Alfalfa's
Best Neighborhood Market for Very Careful Shoppers: Rose Dairy/John Sunkel Insurance Agency
Best Grocery Store Aisle for Bachelors: Aisle 7, King Soopers
Best Drunken Cowpoke Pickup: Biggs Hypermart
Best Bean Scene: The Women's Bean Project
Best Fresh Produce in Season: Zweck's Readers' Choice: Alfalfa's
Best ABC Product: Kuner's Southwestern Vegetables
Best Neighborhood Bakery: Bluepoint Bakery Readers' Choice: Great Harvest Bread Company
Best Place to Burn your Buds: The Big Chili
Best Place to Get Meat Like Ike: Wally's Quality Meats and Delicatessen
Best Beer-Making Supplies: Colonel John's
Best Vending Machine: Breckenridge lift tickets at Vicker's
Best Place to Buy in Bulk: Pace Membership Warehouse Readers' Choice: Pace
Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: Masala Readers' Choice: Fifty-Cent Hot Dogs
Best Freebie: Neighborhood Night, Elitch Gardens Readers' Choice: Westword
FOOD AND DRINK
Best Cheap Breakfast: Sunnyside Drug Readers' Choice: Pete's Kitchen
Best Blowout Sunday Brunch: Tuscany Readers' Choice: Simms Landing
Best Cheap Lunch: Arapahoe Junction
Best Cheap Expensive Lunch: Al Fresco
Best Cheap Fast Lunch: Vietnamna
Best Cheap Lunch Counter: Asian Market
Best Dinner Under $5: Pho' Hoa Readers' Choice: Taco Bell
Best Meal to Split: Jerusalem Restaurant
Best Microwave Meals in a Scenic Locale: Union Station Snack Bar
Best All-You-Can-Eat Deal: The Gondolier Readers' Choice: Furr's
Best Happy Hour for Free Food: Cafe Potpourri Readers' Choice: Fish Dance
Best Happy Hour for a Buck: Club Infinity
Best Midnight Meal: Las Palmas II Readers' Choice: Denny's
Best Donuts: Donut Hut
Best Blueberry Donuts: Sun Rise Donuts
Best Cinnamon Rolls with your Grass-Hay Gossip: Hygiene Cafe
Best Biscuits and Gravy: Duffy's Shamrock Restaurant and Bar
Best Breakfast Burritos: Benny's Place
Best Breakfast Burrito in an Italian Restaurant: Mangia Mangia
Best Sandwiches: Goldie's Deli Readers' Choice: Subway
Best Sandwich Deal: Granada Fish Market
Best Club Sandwich: Mocha Cafe
Best Pastrami Sandwich: Grand Central Station
Best Vietnamese Sandwiches: Vinh Xu'o'ng Bakery
Best Italian Sandwich: Al Fresco
Best Pizza: Pasquini's Pizzeria Readers' Choice: Beau Jo's
Best Pizza by the Slice: Gaspare's Bakery
Best Green Pizza: Teresa's Pizza Cafe
Best Pasta Salads to go: Greens Market
Best Bread: Biba Bar and Grill
Best Way to Ruin your Appetite: Fratelli's Pizza Parlor
Best Salad Bar: Alfalfa's Readers' Choice: Healthy Habits
Best Soup: Zenith American Grill
Best Hamburger: Bistro Adde Brewster Readers' Choice: Chili's
Best Hot Dogs: Denver Buffalo Company Readers' Choice: Mustard's Last Stand
Best French Fries: New York Deli News Readers' Choice: McDonald's
Best Chicken Wings: Hog Heaven
Best Fried Chicken: Kapre Lounge and Fried Chicken Readers' Choice: KFC
Best Meatloaf: Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Mashed Potatoes: Brick Oven Beanery
Best Tuna Salad: East Side Kosher Deli
Best Italian Sausage: Johnnie's Market
Best Sausages from the Old Country: Alfalfa's Market
Best Cevapcici: Gordana's Bistro
Best Place to French-Kiss a Buffalo: The Fort
Best Little Shop of Frozen Horrors: Thai Grocery
Best Calamari: Antipasto's
Best Surprising Sushi: L'Auberge Zen
Best Really Surprising Sushi: Akebono
Best Ban Chan: Kang Chon
Best Unexpected Shrimp: Delhi Darbar
Best Unexpected Phat Thai: Presto Fried Rice
Best Thai Curry: Thai Orchid
Best Egg Foo Yung: Sue Lee's
Best Selection of Chinese Teas: China Jade Seafood Restaurant
Best Pu Pu Platter: Wang Tsau Dynasty
Best Pates: Sadie's Caribbean Cafe
Best Pate: Cliff Young's
Best Chicken-Liver Pate: The Little Russian Cafe
Best Reason to Eat Liver: Strings
Best Reason to Eat Tofu: Sawaddee Thai Cuisine
Best Chips and Salsa: La Cueva Readers' Choice: Juanita's
Best Burrito: El Taco de Mexico Readers' Choice: Chubby's
Best Roadside Burritos: Burritos & Co.
Best Tamale: La Popular
Best Enchilada: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe
Best Refritos: Las Delicias
Best Black Beans: Rio Grande
Best Taco: Taqueria Patzcuaro Readers' Choice: Taco Bell
Best Greaseless Taco: La Casa de Manuel
Best Chile Relleno: El Taco de Mexico Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Yuppie Rellenos: Mexicali Cafe
Best Red Chile: The Fort
Best Green Chile: Taqueria Patzcuaro Readers' Choice: Las Delicias
Best Green Chile Burn: Bamboo Hut
Best Mole: El Charrito Restaurante y Cantina
Best Margarita: Rio Grande Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Local Beer: Norm Clarke's Pale Ale, Champion Brewing Company
Best Beer Presentation: Judge Baldwin's
Best Girlfriend Drink: The Pink Thing, Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Stop for a Quick One: Bartender Dave Miller, Bay Wolf
Best Bartender: Chuck Abboud, McFann's
Best Drive-Through Wine Advice: Chateau Liquors
Best Neighborhood Bar and Beer Store: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Neighborhood Liquor Store: Logan Liquors
Best Lemonade: Plain Brown Wrapper
Best Hot Chocolate: Mont Blanc, The French Confection
Best Free Cup of Coffee: Cook's Mart
Best Iced Coffee: The Summer Buzz, Xpresso
Best Latte: The Espresso Bar, University Hospital
Best Espresso Fix in a Hurry: Peaberry Coffee, Tabor Center
Best Desserts: Two Bitts Bistro Readers' Choice: Sfuzzi
Best Sugar-Free Dessert: Jus Cookin's
Best Cookies: Italian Pastries and Bakery
Best Cholesterol-Cake Masquerading as Health Food: Treats Bakery
Best Macaroons: Brown Palace
Best After-Dinner Mints: Ciao! Baby
Best Food-As-Art Presentation: Cache Cache
Best Inadvertent Baby Food: Cafe Paradiso
Best Children's Menu: Buckhorn Exchange
Best High Chair: Racine's
Best McDonald's Seats: 10925 W. Colfax Ave.
Best Place to Smell Cadillac Anderson's Sneakers: Hog Heaven
Best Restaurant Bathrooms: Champion Brewing Company
Best View on West Colfax: International House of Pancakes
Best Outdoor Cafe: Thoa's 158 Readers' Choice: Paramount Cafe
Best Off-Street Patio: Marketplace Cafe
Best Coffeehouse: Caffe Antica Roma Readers' Choice (tie): Gasoline Alley/Paris on the Platte
Best Family Coffeehouse: Common Grounds Coffeehouse
Best Food Court Booth: Chubby's #2 Readers' Choice (tie): Bennet's Bar-B-Que Pit/Falafel King
Best Deli: New York Deli News
Best Mexican Deli: Johnnie's Market
Best Unlikely Barbecue Joint: The Links at City Park
Best Unlikely Spot for Greek Food: Ogden Street South
Best Chicago Cuisine: Bink's Burgers
Best Long Island Cuisine: Papa J's Restaurant and Lounge
Best Garlic Rush: Pasta Jay's
Best Italian Restaurant: O Sole Mio Readers' Choice: Olive Garden
Best Opera-Singing in an Italian Restaurant: Teresa Carroll, Mike Berardi's
Best Place to Hear Inna Gadda Da Vida" on a Violin While you Smoke a Cigar: Cliff Young's
Best Strolling Accordion Player: Tony Heindl, Cafe Milan
Best Romantic Restaurant: Greenbriar Inn Readers' Choice: Flagstaff House
Best French Restaurant: Normandy French Restaurant Readers' Choice: Le Central
Best Place to Get High: Himalayas
Best Chinese Restaurant: Sue Lee's Readers' Choice: Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Best Seafood Restaurant: McCormick's Fish House and Bar Readers' Choice: Fresh Fish Company
Best Asian Seafood Restaurant: New Orient
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon Readers' Choice: T-Wa Inn
Best Korean Restaurant: Myong Restaurant and Night Club
Best Asian Barbecue: Restaurant Seoul
Best Thai Restaurant: Siamese Plate Readers' Choice: Chao Praya Thai
Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi Den Readers' Choice: Sushi Den
Best Steakhouse: Morton's of Chicago Readers' Choice: Morton's of Chicago
Best Vegetarian Selection in a Non-vegetarian Restaurant: Cache Cache
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Greens Natural Foods Cafe Readers' Choice: Harvest Restaurant and Bakery
Best New Restaurant: Q's
Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying: Flagstaff House Restaurant Readers' Choice: Morton's of Chicago
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